Master Individual Values, Effort Values, natures, and the stat formula for competitive Pokemon battling.
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) are the two hidden stat systems that determine how strong a Pokemon can become. Every Pokemon of the same species starts with different potential (IVs) and can be trained differently (EVs), which is why two Level 100 Charizards can have very different stats. Understanding these systems is essential for competitive play.
IVs are genetic values assigned at capture or hatch, ranging from 0 to 31 in each stat. A Pokemon with 31 IVs in a stat reaches the maximum possible value for that stat at Level 100. IVs cannot be changed through normal gameplay, but Hyper Training, introduced in Generation 7, allows a Level 100 Pokemon to have its stats treated as if they had maximum IVs. Breeding is the primary method for obtaining Pokemon with perfect IVs, using the Destiny Knot to pass down IVs from parents.
EVs are earned through battle and training. Each Pokemon can earn up to 510 EVs total, with a maximum of 252 in any single stat. Every 4 EVs in a stat increase that stat by 1 point at Level 100. EVs are earned by defeating specific Pokemon, with each species giving EVs in specific stats. For example, defeating a Magikarp yields 1 Speed EV, while defeating a Gyarados yields 2 Attack EVs. Vitamins like Protein and Iron give 10 EVs each but stop working after 100 EVs in that stat.
Natures are a personality trait that modifies a Pokemon's stats. There are 25 natures total. Each nature increases one stat by 10% and decreases another by 10%. Five natures are neutral, affecting no stats. Choosing the right nature is critical for competitive builds. A physical attacker like Garchomp wants Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack), while a special attacker like Greninja wants Timid (+Speed, -Attack).
Speed is often the most important stat to boost with nature, since being faster than an opponent can decide the match. Common competitive natures include Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) for physical attackers, Timid (+Speed, -Attack) for special attackers, Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) for bulky special attackers, Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) for physical attackers, and Bold (+Defense, -Attack) for defensive Pokemon. Defensive Pokemon often use Calm (+Special Defense, -Attack) or Careful (+Special Defense, -Special Attack).
The stat formula determines a Pokemon's actual stats based on its base stats, IVs, EVs, nature, and level. For HP, the formula is: HP = ((2 * Base + IV + EV/4) * Level/100) + Level + 10. For all other stats: Stat = (((2 * Base + IV + EV/4) * Level/100) + 5) * Nature. At Level 50 (the standard VGC level), every 8 EVs increase a stat by 1 point instead of every 4 at Level 100, which changes EV optimization strategies.
Base stats are the species-specific values that define a Pokemon's natural strengths. For example, Chansey has base 250 HP, making it exceptionally bulky on the special side despite low base Defense. Understanding base stats helps you evaluate a Pokemon's role before considering IVs and EVs. A Pokemon with base 100 Speed and maximum investment will outspeed a Pokemon with base 99 Speed that also has maximum investment.
To begin competitive battling, start by breeding or catching Pokemon with the right nature and at least 4-5 perfect IVs. Use the Destiny Knot breeding method to pass IVs, and give the parent with the desired nature an Everstone to guarantee that nature passes to the offspring. Train EVs by battling specific wild Pokemon or using vitamins and Power items. The Poke Pelago in Generation 7 and the Poke Jobs in Generation 8 offer passive EV training alternatives.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet streamlined EV training with items from the Chansey Supply store, making it easier than ever to build competitive teams. Vitamins now have no upper limit per stat (up to 252), and you can purchase them directly with LP or Poke Dollars. This eliminates the need for traditional EV training through wild battles, though the cost is significant for a full team of six Pokemon.